How to Sew a Ribbon Edge on Organza

Written by leah james| 13/05/2017

Enhance organza by sewing on a ribbon edge. (ribbon rolls image by TekinT from Fotolia.com)

To enhance your organza craft and clothing projects, edge the organza with ribbon. The ribbon edge defines the organza's shape and gives it a refined, finished look. Crisp, sheer organza edged with ribbon is classic for bridal clothing and veils, children's dresses and home decorating accents. Narrow satin ribbons are frequently used, but the process works with any ribbon size or fabric.

Measure the length of the organza where you'll apply the ribbon edge. Cut your ribbon 1/2 inch longer than the organza.

Turn both ends of the ribbon under crosswise, with the wrong sides together. Press creases into the folds with an iron. Iron through a pressing cloth to protect the ribbon, unless the ribbon manufacturer instructs otherwise.

Fold the ribbon in half lengthwise, with the wrong side of the ribbon inside the fold. Press a sharp crease into the folded edge, with the pressing cloth between the ribbon and the iron.

Slide the folded ribbon over the edge of the organza, sandwiching the edge between the folds of the ribbon. Align the ends and pin the ribbon in place with superfine straight pins. Pin parallel to the length of the ribbon, 1/16 inch from the ribbon's inner edge.

Set your sewing machine stitch type to straight. Set the stitch length to 2mm or 13 stitches per inch, depending on your machine's way of measuring them. Attach a new, size 60/8 Universal needle. Thread the needle and bobbin with lightweight thread that matches the ribbon. Since the procedures all vary by machine, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Place the organza right side up on the sewing machine, with the ribbon facing the right. Sew along the length of the ribbon, 1/16 inch from the ribbon's inner edge. The stitch is a type of topstitching called edge stitching. Remove each pin as you near it with the needle. Don't backstitch at the beginning or end of the seam.

Remove the organza from the sewing machine without clipping the loose threads at the beginning of the seam. Leave the threads at the end of the seam at least 2 inches long. Knot the top and bottom threads at both ends of the ribbon. Clip the excess thread and then tuck the knots beneath the ribbon.

Tip

Fold a piece of ribbon over an organza scrap and test your edge stitching before sewing the real thing. If the organza puckers, loosen both the upper and lower tension, according to the sewing machine manufacturer's instructions.

Tips and warnings

Fold a piece of ribbon over an organza scrap and test your edge stitching before sewing the real thing. If the organza puckers, loosen both the upper and lower tension, according to the sewing machine manufacturer's instructions.